amyloidosis: gastrointestinal manifestations

• esophagus
  • loss of peristalsis
  • megaesophagus
• stomach
  • small and rigid (simulate linitis plastica)
  • effaced rugal pattern
  • diminished/absent peristalsis
  • may be localized to antrum
  • amyloidoma: well defined submucosal mass
• small bowel
  • diffuse form (more common)
  • diffuse, uniform thickening of valvulae conniventes
  • broadened flat undulated mucosal folds (mucosal atrophy)
  • "jejunalization" of ileum
  • impaired motility
  • small bowel dilatation
  • localized form: multiple small deposits; a/w pseudoobstruction
• colon
  • psudopolyps

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18